The group follows in the philanthropic footsteps of USA for Africa, but unlike it and other recent celebrity-backed efforts, Comic Relief will aid America`s poor and homeless, rather than the starving people of Africa.

At a news conference Tuesday, Comic Relief President Bob Zmuda said the initial project for the group will be a March 29 benefit comedy show at the Universal Amphitheater, which will be broadcast live nationally on Home Box Office cable television channels.

HBO is underwriting the show`s production costs, and Zmuda would not say how much he hoped to raise to help feed, shelter and clothe America`s 20 million poor.